Essay Writing Evaluation

   Developing  Approaching Level  At Level  Above Level

Purpose & Form

The main idea is sketchy and weakly developed.
No clear thesis in introduction to indicate purpose
No topic sentences in body paragraphs.
Insufficient writing in each paragraph.
Thesis is evident but supporting details in body paragraphs are only minimally supportive.
Details in the body paragraphs weakly support topic sentences of paragraphs.
Clear main thesis that indicates purpose of essay.
Each body paragraph sufficiently and relevantly supports thesis.
Each body paragraph is developed with topic sentence and supporting details.
Essay demonstrates a strong focus and clear purpose in thesis statement.(to inform, summarize, compare etc.)
The main idea is complex, sustained and fully developed in each body paragraph.
Each body paragraph is very well developed with a strong topic sentence and creative and distinguished supporting details.
Organization
Essay is not 5 paragraphs
Paragraphs have no clear beginning, middle or ending
No use of transitions.
Essay is 5 paragraph
Attempts to give a beginning, middle and end with use of transitions in each paragraph.
Essay is 5 paragraphs.
Body paragraphs demonstrate a strong beginning, middle and ending.
Clear use of transitions between paragraphs and within them.
Organization of essay is logical & creative
Paragraphs that have a well linked beginning, middle and end.
Excellent use of transitions within paragraphs and linking paragraphs.
Style
No distinguishable voice.
Vocabulary is simple but sufficient to convey basic ideas.
Voice is recognizable, but weak and not consistent.
Attempting to use creative and appropriate vocabulary.
Voice is evident and consistent.
Vocabulary is appropriate to the purpose of the writing.
Effective use of some sentence variety.
Voice is clear, coherent and sustained
Vocabulary is more varied and appropriate for intended audience.
Sentence variety is varied.
Mechanics & Spelling
No editing apparent.
Many spelling & mechanical errors.
Errors in spelling and mechanics that distract the reader.
Writing has been well edited.
Occasional spelling & mechanical errors do not distract the reader.
Writing is free of all conventional spelling and mechanical errors.

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